Effect of Activity-Based Learning on Students’ Academic Achievement at Primary Level

Abstract

This study aimed at the effect of Activity Based Learning (ABL) on students' academic achievement in the primary school. Education plays an important role in the cognitive, social and emotional development of the children, the selection of appropriate teaching methods has a great influence on the learning outcomes of the children. Activity Based Learning is a teaching style that enables students to be active learners who engage with classroom activities, practical activities, group activities, role play, games and experiments instead of simply listening to lectures. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Activity-Based Learning (ABL) on students’ academic achievement at the primary level. The study was delimited to one private primary school in District Sialkot and focused on students aged 6–11 years. Activity-Based Learning is a learner-centered approach that promotes learning through participation, experimentation, discussion, and practical activities. It has gained importance because traditional lecture-based methods often fail to maintain students’ interest, motivation, and academic performance. A qualitative research approach using a single case study design was adopted. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six teachers and afocus group discussion involving ten students from Grades 3, 4, and 5 of Perfect Foundation School. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data. The findings revealed that Activity-Based Learning improved students’ academic achievement, classroom participation, confidence, communication skills, and motivation. Teachers reported improvement in students’ marks from approximately 40–50% to 65–75% after implementing ABL strategies. Students stated that group work, role play, poster making, games, and science experiments helped them understand and retain concepts more effectively. Schools should provide teacher training, sufficient learning materials, and supportive classroom environments for implementing ABL. Parents and school administrators should also be sensitized regarding the educational benefits of activity-based instruction.